Drive on Down: 3 Local Parks Near Nitro, WV

August 11, 2023 · 2 min read

Situated deep within the Appalachians, Nitro, WV is surrounded by incredible nature, so it's no surprise that the community is home to an extensive park system. Each park has something special to offer visitors, from well-maintained sporting facilities to peaceful ponds where you can have a picnic or go fishing. The following parks are definitely worth the drive!

1. Nitro City Park

If you like sports, Nitro City Park on 1675 Park Avenue is sure to become a favorite. Its facilities include tennis and basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and a soccer field. Many of these venues have plentiful spectator seating, so it's a great place to catch a game, as well. Along the western side of the park are a walking trail and sitting areas that provide lovely views of the Kanawha River.

To the east of Nitro City's sporting complex, you'll find a large playground and a public swimming pool that features heating, a splash pad for the kids, and a concessions stand.

2. Meadowood Park

Located in nearby St. Albans on 292 Pettigrew Lane, this verdant park is full of beautiful natural scenery. The six hiking trails that wind around the park that will take you into dense wooded areas, along the Coal River, and through a lush wetland. Visitors can also go fishing at the 8-acre Pettigrew Lake or enjoy a meal at one of several picnicking areas, which include two covered shelters.

Large, open fields provide excellent opportunities for sports, flying kites, or letting the dog run around. You can even make use of your Chevrolet Traverse's available cross rails and bring your kayak or canoe along because the park has multiple launch sites for small, non-motorized boats. From these sites, you can access the famed Coal River Water Trail.

3. Ridenour Memorial Park

Ridenour Memorial Park on 402 Ridenour Park Lane is another scenic destination where you can take part in a variety of activities close to the water. The park has a multi-use nature trail that circles around Ridenour Lake. From there, you can access several great spots where you can fish for trout, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish. The charming gazebo by the lake has audience seating and regularly hosts weddings and live performances.

Avid bird watchers flock to Ridenour to view a number of species, such as the great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, turkey vulture, and osprey. Venture deep into the park's dense forests and you'll come across an assortment of mushrooms.

After a fun outing, stop by at Walker Chevrolet and explore our impressive selection of new and used automobiles!

Posted in:

Nov 24, 2023 in Nitro

Does Your Chevy Need New Tires?

When you're behind the wheel of your Chevy, you want to know that you can rely on every part of it for a safe and smooth ride. That certainty starts where your car meets the road: your tires. Ensuring your tires are in top condition is crucial, and there are signs to watch out for that it may be time to visit the Chevy dealer for new tires. more Tread Depth The tread on your tires is what grips the road, especially in slick conditions. A simple and effective way to check tread depth is the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln upside-down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire. Most tires begin with a tread depth of around 10/32", and when they reach 2/32", they are legally worn out. Persistent Pressure Loss If you find yourself refilling your tires with air too often, this could be a sign of a slow leak. Your Chevy's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will alert you when your tire pressure is below the recommended level. While occasionally low tire pressure may just be due to changes in the weather, frequent alerts may indicate tire damage that needs attention. Cracks in Your Sidewall Take a moment to look at the sidewalls of your tires. What you're looking for are cuts, cracks, or grooves that are severe enough to be visible to the naked eye. These could suggest that your tires are developing a leak, or worse, that they are at risk of a blowout. If you notice this kind of damage, it's time for a fresh set of tires. Blisters and Bulges Over time, the outer surface of your tires may weaken, and this can lead to bulges or blisters. When left unattended, this can even lead to a sudden blowout. Do not wait: if you have bulging, blistered tires, they need to be replaced at once. High Mileage Most tires are only designed to last for a specific number of miles. This can vary but is typically between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. If you've logged enough miles to fall into this range, it's time to start considering replacing those tires. Head to Your Chevy Dealer for New Tires Chevys are known for their reliability, and part of maintaining that reputation lies in the care of the vehicle's tires. If your tires are starting to slip or wear down, head to the dealership for all the help you need to select and replace your old tires with a new, reliable set. Ready for a fresh set of tires? Call Walker Chevrolet and schedule service today.

Nov 10, 2023 in Nitro

3 Brunch Places Worth the Early Drive Near Nitro, WV

Whether you're just passing through or you're a native here in Nitro, WV, you'll love our brunch places that serve great meals. So take a break for yourself and your family and visit one of these locales that the locals like to frequent. more 1. Tudor's Biscuit World This unassuming venue has been a long-time favorite of West Virginia residents and is a great place for fast service and decent prices. We think the blackberry biscuit is a great way to start your day. Another good choice, especially for those with big appetites, is the super breakfast, which comes with two eggs, fried potatoes, fried apples, a housemade biscuit smothered in gravy, and either bacon or sausage. If you're watching your carbs, try the low-carb platter. If you need a catering service for your next business breakfast event, they can accommodate that as well. You can even show your Tudor's pride by purchasing attire, such as hats, shirts, and socks. They are located at 4116 1st Ave., and they are open seven days a week. 2. Dwight's of St. Albans Stop here for a lengthy menu of tasty options that has something for everyone. Enjoy omelets, pancakes, French toast, biscuits, and more. Start with a bottomless cup of steaming coffee while the kids have a hot chocolate, chocolate milk, or apple juice. We recommend the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, the steak and eggs, the Redneck benedict, the Farm Boy, or the big veggie omelet. They also offer a variety of toppings for your pancake, waffle, or French toast. Options include strawberries, chocolate chips, spicy apples and walnuts, and bananas. Dwight's can be found at 513 MacCorkle Ave. in St. Albans, just three miles from Nitro, and they are open every day. 3. Coal River Coffee Co. For a lighter breakfast, including delicious homemade baked goods and housemade coffees, frappes, and more, stop at Coal River Coffee Co. for a relaxed time in a cozy environment. Their drip coffee is always good, but we also like the espresso bar choices, such as the Americano, the Coal Miner Mocha, and the chai latte. For your meal, try the blueberry baked oatmeal, the Paleo pumpkin muffin, the breakfast sandwich, or the bagel with smoked salmon. Coal River Coffee Co. is located at 64 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Visit here any day except Sundays. We like to drive a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT when we head out for good cuisine. Visit Walker Chevrolet today and see all the specials that we have in stock. Take a test drive and see what your next new vehicle drives like. You'll find us at 4130 1st Ave.

Oct 27, 2023 in Nitro

5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs Brake Repair at the Local Chevy Dealership

If your Chevy's brakes aren't working as smoothly as they used to, visit your local Chevy dealership right away for brake repair. Faulty brakes significantly increase the braking distance, making it much easier to get into an accident. more 1. Visible Wear and Tear Take a quick peek at your brake pads between the rotor and caliper on each wheel. Is there significant thinning of the pad material? If the pads look thin or severely worn out, you should replace them immediately. You should also replace the pads if there is uneven wear between the inner and outer pads to ensure smooth braking. 2. Screeching and Grinding Sounds When Braking Loud, high-pitched squealing or grinding noises from your brakes are a telltale sign that the pads are worn out. The metal backing of the pads rubs against the rotor when the pad material becomes too thin, creating a nasty screeching sound. Don't keep driving on worn brake pads, as you may completely lose braking power. Replace the pads immediately if you start to hear unusual noises when braking. 3. Vibrations in the Brake Pedal Have you noticed your brake pedal pulsing or vibrating when you press on it? This annoying sensation is caused by warped brake rotors. Over time, heat and pressure can cause the rotors to become warped and no longer perfectly smooth. When you brake, the caliper grabs the uneven rotor inconsistently, creating vibrations and pulses. Machining the rotors is required to restore a flat surface, so you can brake smoothly and quietly again. 4. Pulling Sensations When Braking If your Chevy pulls to one side when braking, you likely have uneven brake pad wear on the front wheels. This happens when one caliper sticks, causing accelerated wear on just one pad. The imbalance in friction then pulls the vehicle towards the side with less braking power. To stop the pulling and uneven braking, you will need fresh brake pads installed and the rotors machined. 5. Spongy Brake Pedal A spongy or soft pedal that lacks firmness could indicate a brake fluid leak or air in the hydraulic lines. Air reduces the pressure that transfers your pedal force to the wheels. Low fluid lets the pedal travel farther without resistance. Either issue will increase the stopping distance and leave you at risk of accidents. So have your Chevy's brake system checked by your dealer's technicians. They will bleed the system to remove air bubbles, fix existing leaks, and top up the brake fluid to restore proper performance. Your Chevy's brakes are the most important safety components, so they should be in optimal working condition at all times. If you notice these signs or your ABS light comes on, reach out to Walker Chevrolet to schedule immediate repairs.